WALKING IN LOVE
1 John 2:7-17
As we continue in our study, “Light In The Darkness”, we will be studying the need to walk in love as Christians.
In the Greek language there are four words for our word “love”.
Eros: This is a sensual or erotic type of love. This word is never used in the New Testament.
Phileo: This is the type of love between brothers and sister.
Storge: This is the type of love for family. It usually refers to love between parents and children.
Agape: This is a sacrificial love.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, 13
As we study walking in love, let’s look at three facts concerning God’s command to us to love.
It’s Not New
1 John 2:7-8
The command from God to Him with all of your being is not a new command.
Deuteronomy 6:5
The command from God to love everyone is not a new command.
Leviticus 19:18
When asked by the Pharisees which law was the most important, look at how Jesus answered.
Matthew 22:36-40
Jesus is saying, “If you can love God and all people all the time, you will be perfect.” If loving God and all is an old commandment, how then could it be a new commandment as it says in 1 John 2:8?
The point being made here is this: The law has been there but until you are saved you can’t live it. Once you are saved, you have the love of Christ within you and if you allow the Holy Spirit to be filled within you life the fruit of love will be evident.
Not only is this command to love not new…
It’s Not Optional
1 John 2:9-11
This is clearly written. It doesn’t matter what you say or do if you do not have love in your heart. If you don’t lover everyone then you are living in darkness. That means there is sin in your life and you are ineffective for God.
God’s command to His children to love all people is not an option. If you are going to be an obedient child you must share the love of Christ with all you meet.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
The command to love is not new, it’s not optional, and…
It’s Not Easy
1 John 2:12-14
This is a hard command to follow; but God tells us why we should be able to follow it.
1. We should be able to love others because God loves us first. He sent His only begotten Son to die for our sins and pay our price.
2. We should be able to love others because we belong to God and the Holy Spirit of God is us.
3. We should be able to love others because we can have victory over Satan through Jesus. There are no excuses.
Although we are to love all people, we are to never love this world or the things in it.
1 John 2:15-17
You simply must choose. If you love the world and the things in it, then you are selfish and this is not the love of Christ. The love of Christ hates sin, but loves the sinner.
Series: Light In The Darkness [#3]
Sunday Evening Bible Study August 3, 2003
Bel Aire Baptist Church
